Final answer:
The decibel (dB) is the unit of measurement typically used to measure the volume level of sound. It is based on a logarithmic scale, reflecting the human ear's perception of volume changes, and compares the intensity of sound to a reference point. Option D is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The unit of measurement typically used to measure volume level, voltage, or power depends on the specific quantity being measured. However, when referring to the volume level, especially in the context of sound, the decibel (dB) is the standard unit used.
The decibel is a unit that measures the intensity level of sounds and is based on a logarithmic scale. This scale is useful because it reflects the way our ears perceive changes in volume. For example, the amplitude of sound waves determines the perceived loudness or volume, which is measured in decibels.
A quiet room might measure around 30 dB, while normal conversation is typically about 60 dB. Named after Alexander Graham Bell, the decibel is a dimensionless unit, indicating a ratio (and thus it is unit-less) that describes the level of sound compared to a fixed reference point, generally 10-12 W/m2, which is the lowest sound intensity perceivable by the human ear at a frequency of 1000 Hz.